ALMOND – Village of Almond leaders are considering switching from an elected to an appointed village clerk, saying the change would give them more oversight and discretion.

"What happens if (current Village Clerk) Jackie (Lemke) decides 'Well, I've had enough, I don't want to do this anymore?'" Village President Ken Trzebiatowski said at a Village Board meeting Monday as to why the change might be beneficial. "I'm just trying to look at things to avoid a problem."

Trzebiatowski said earlier Monday that he wanted to bring the idea to the Village Board because he wants to look for ways to make the village more efficient, although he declined at the time to explain how it would make the village more efficient.

The clerk now is elected to a two-year term and is paid $10,565 annually. Lemke has held the position for 14 years and said she typically works about four hours a day, five days per week.

The board on Monday also discussed creating an appointed deputy clerk and treasurer position, so that someone could smoothly transition into filling the roles if the clerk or treasurer resigns or is unable to fulfill the responsibilities.

The board would be able to make the changes by passing a resolution and without approval of voters.

Board members generally were in favor of the changes because making them would give elected board members greater oversight for the position and an opportunity to choose people with the necessary background to do the work.

Ed Miller, professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, said municipalities may choose to appoint a clerk — an administrative position — in order to give the village's leadership more discretion over the person filling the position. Elected officials do not have to answer to anyone, but appointed officials can be fired if their performance isn't satisfactory.

"If they don't like what the clerk is doing, they could fire the clerk," Miller said. "If the person is elected, they can't, and this can create a major problem."

Miller said in some counties, the clerk is designated as the administrative leader, in which case it might make more sense to elect the clerk. At the village level, though, the board president and trustees are elected, so it might be more beneficial for the village to appoint the clerk.

"It makes more sense that they're appointed and that they're responsible to essentially the board," Miller said.

The board decided to postpone discussion and possible action on the ideas until its next meeting on Aug. 11. At that time, board members also will discuss how much to pay the deputy if that position is created.

Sari can be reached at 715-345-2257. Follow her on Twitter as @Sari_Lesk.